Flying-machine



C. F. WILCOX.

.FLYING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAY I8, 1917.

' TS-SHEET I.

//V VE N TOR WITNESSES amgmfmm C. F. WILCOX.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAYIB. 19:7.

1,336,669. Pat nted Apr- 13, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

G. F. WILCOX.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 18, 1917.

1,336,669, Patented Apr. 13, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3. I

WITNESSES: lNVENTOR hm I C. F. WIL'COX. FLYING MACHINE.

1,336,669. APPLICATION FILED MAY 178, I917. Apr. 13,

4 SHEET$-SHEET 4.

WITNESSES 1 INVENTOR UNITED srna sp ram OFFICE.

CIEIIARLIEJS F. WILCOX, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGI VOR FORTY-NINE ONE- HUNDREDTHS TO ALBINUS WILCOX, OF COUNTY, NEW YORK.

FLYING-MAGHIN E.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Apr. 13, 1920- Application filed May 18, 1917. Serial No. 169,449. e

To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, CHARLES F. Wmcox, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of New York, in the county of Kings, and the State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Flying-Machines, of which the following is a specification. t

This invention relates to mach1nes for navigating the air, and of the class that are heavier than air and which are sustained by application of motive power while travelm in air.

he invention has for its objects: -F1rst. To provide a machine which can be more perfectly controlled in flight than machlnes now in use. Second. To provlde a machlne which may be operated and employed as a mode of conveyance, with a maximum degree of safety, and immunity from accldent. Third. To provide a machine which may be readily propelled at variable speed, and conveniently regulated for changing the rate of speed while in flight and without reducmg the speed or increasing the speed of the motor or engine. Fourth. To provide a mach ne in which the lifting power may be readlly adjusted while in flight without reduclng or increasing the speed of the englne or motor. Fifth. To provide a machine by WhlCh the speed of ascent or -descent can be regulated and controlled while in flight without increasing or decreasing the speed of the engine or motor. Sixth. To provide guiding and steering means which can beregulated and controlled while in flight and which'will operate equally well when the machine is moving slowly or rapidly and whether moving in a horizontal plane or in avertical course or in an inclined direction. Seventh. To produce a machine which will be less subject to air currents and irregular conditions of the air than machines now 1n use. Eighth. To provide almachine which cannot be capsized while in the air thereby en-' dangering the passengers. Ninth. To provide a machine which may be employed for reconnaissance and observation in military operations and which may be maintained stationarily at any altitude, and any latitudinal and longitudinal point for a desired length of time. Tenth. To provide a maut in motion in any chine which may be upward 1ncl1nat1on direction or angle 0 from a standing start as from a tower or a deck of a ship.

These and further obejcts are attained by the new and novel means for lifting, propelhng, steering and maintaining the and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out inmy claims forming a part of this specification.

Referring to the drawings; Figure 1 is a fragmentary view, partly in section of a side elevation of one form of my improved flying machine, the car and motor or engine not shown; Fig. 2, is a fragmentary plan of the steerin means shown in Fi 1. Fig. 3, is a View 0 the means employe as wings or blades for acting upon the air and which is employed in substantially the same form for liftin and sustaining the machine and for prope ling it through the air. Fig. 4, is a sectional View taken on the line we'o of Fig. 3 showing the way in which the wings are pivotally mounted and the manner in which they may be adjusted for regulating the force they will exert upon the an when the motor is driven at a given speed. Fig. 5 is a detail in plan showing the under surface or the inner surface of the form of wing employed and illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 6 is a 'plan view of a modification of my machine in which two lifting or sustainequilibrium of the machine hereinafter described ing members and two propeller members and two steering members are mounted in a frame together and to which lateral wings are attached, and Fig. 7, is a sectional elevation taken on the line cit-wit ofFig. 6.

For lifting and sustaining the machine in air, I employ a plurality of wings, as A which are mounted in a circular rim B and central bearing member 0, being either curved as in Figs. 1, 6 and 7, or flat as in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. The same form of wings may be used for the propelling member, or

The sleeve D and the collar F are rlgidly peller member is mounted on a horizontal shaft. The only difference in the lifting member and the bearings being adjacent the front edge of I her at a very igh speed f so preferably arrange eachwmg relative to the line of advance of the wings when rotating. At-the rear edge,

of the win is an eye A to admit the hearing end 0 a rod A. Each of the wings is thus conne ted with a rod, and the rods are connected at their oppositeend to a sleeve A by bearin s A. The wings are in Fi s. 3 and 4 or in hemi-spherical form as in Ti a parac ute form in appearance. The wings when in normal pos1t1on are disposed with mating overlapping edges with close joints so that no air can pass between the wings and when the wings-are 1n this position the motor or 'engine may be running at full speed so as to drive the shafts and propellin member and lifting membut the machine will remain statlonary. To start the machine in an upward or a horizontal direction the wings of the propelling member or the lifting member or both the propelling member and-the lifting member must be turned at a slight angle of deflection so as to engage the air and exert a pressure upon it.

Reference may now be had to Fig. 4 ofthe drawings as an illustration of the means employed for adjusting the wings at the desired angle of deflection. The shaft D is a hollow shaft, and has slots as D and.

D to admit splines A of sleeve A, and splines F ofcollar F. Withinthe hollow shaft D is a solid shaft H which is longitudihally slidable in the hollow shaft D.

keyed to the shaft H, so that both will move relatively with .themovement of the said shaft H. The object of this arrangement will be presently explained. The rim B of the wing-supporting wheel A is provided with two hub members, as C, in which the inner end of the wings are pivoted, and

the hub I, in which the spokes J are seated and which serve to render the wheel rigid.

The'hug I is flanged as at I and I (and thereby secured as against longitudinal movement relative to the bearings in which it is mounted), and mounted revolubly in bearings K provided in the frame K of the machine. The huh I is keyed to the shaft D and rotates therewith, so that the wheel is held revolubly in the frame and is secured against longitudinal or lateral movement. I curved member K of the in a conical form ass. 1, 6 and 7 whereby they present drawing inwardly the connected rods A" frame is provided with bearin K for the extreme end of the shaft D. is provided with a flange F around which is fitted a secondcollar member L, with a channel L to receive the flange F Bearings K are provided in the frame in which are mounted the opposite ends of screw rod K haviiig on one end a pulley K for pilot cord as and bein held against longitudinal movement by t e collar members K When it is desired to deflect the wings from the normal position to exert pressure on the air when the machine is in motion or rotation, the pilot wheel (not shown) is rotated so as to rot to the screw-rod I 5 so as to draw the col ar member L from its normal position; this carries the collar, F

with the connected inner shaft, and the and the rear edges of the wings A whereby an opening is made between the said rear edge of each wing and the forward edge of each adjacent wing respectively. By this movement of the screw rod a most accurate adjustment of. the angle of deflection of the blades is possible. To reduce the air pressure or the force of the machine on the air, the screw rod is rotated in the opposite direction and the rear edges of the wings thrown outwardly whereby the angle of deflection is relatively reduced and the machine will exert less force upon the air although still rotating at maximum speed.

In ig. 1, the manner of mounting the lifting or sustaining member or wheel, and the propelling member or wheel, in relation to each other on a vertical and a horizontal shaft respectivel is illustrated. The arrangement-for ad usting the blades or wings as described above and illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, of the drawings, is employed for adjusting the wingsof the wheel on the vertical shaft and the horizontal shaft there being only one difference in the means shown in Fig. 1; 2'. 6.; two screw rods are provided instead of one being disposed oppositely of the shaft whereby the stress of retaining the wings in their position or of increasing their angle of deflection' is equalized; thereb preventing any torsional strain or binding of the collar members or of the shaft. Pulleys Kare provided upon the frame K for the cords K In Fig. 1 the vertical shaft E is mounted in bearings E in the frame E and a gear E is keyed thereon. In the frame E are bearings E for the horizontal shaft D of the propeller member, and the horizontal shaft M, for the steering member N. A bevel gear D on the shaft D meshes with the gear E on the vertical shaft, and the gear M on the, shaft M meshes with said gear E whereby the said horizontal shafts D and M respectively, are

The collar F driven by the rotation of the vertical shaft E.

Secured to the lower portion of the frame Kis a car only a part of the upper. portion being shown as O, and bearings or the vertical shaft E, are rovided in said frame as at K. In this orm of the machine ,the shaft extends vertically upward through the middle of the car and the motor is connected with the vertical shaft E, at its extreme lower end and is positioned below the car, whereby all the heavier portions of the machinery and the burden to be carried are disposed at a point below the propelling and steering means and at the extreme lower portion of the machine. By this arrangement and disposition of the weight and the load to be carried, the principle of the pendulum is employed to prevent the machine from overturnin and by means of the parachute shaped liftln or sustaining means which is disposed at't e extreme upper end of the vertical shaft E, the chute is employed, whereby the weight of the machine and the load to be carried may be sustained and the weight at the lower end of the vertical shaft E as a pendulum will serve to maintain the machine in a vertical and'upright position, so should there be gusts of wind that would tend to tip or swerve the machine, the pendulous weight would instantly right the machine to its normal. upright position. It will be ob- Served that the principle of the parachute and the pendulum always'cooperate to maintain the machine in uprlght position whether the wings of the lifting member are deflected to engage the air and exert their force thereon, or in their normal position so thatshould the motor stop the wlngs could be instantly brought to normal position and a parachute provided to retard descent. The wmgs of the lifting member and propelling means are constructed of stiff material, preferably of metal, so that they will not be likely to.collapse under wind-pressure, but

' still will have the sustaining power of a parachute at all times.

In operation the driving shaft of the machine is continuously driven at very high speed whether it is resting in a fixed spot on the surface of the earth or poised in air, without horizontal motion or advancing through the ah in a horizontal plane.

As hereinbefore stated the wings take no effect on the air unless deflected from their normal position and therefore all parts of the machine may be driven at maximum speed without moving from its place. The object of this arrangement is that the lifting member and the propelling member and the steering member also may be driven at a high enough rate of speed as to serve to maintain the machine in its vertical position by the power of centrifugal force as a principle of the paratop or gyroscope and by the novel arrangement of the parts and elements of the machine. All the parts are made to subserve the object of balancing the machine and maintaining the stability and equilibrium of the device 1n the air. That is to say; the rotatable lifting member, serves as a gyroscope and a parachute while at the same time it carries the adjustable wings by which the lifting power is regulated and controlled; and t e rotatable propelling member serves as a gyroscope, and also serves to lead the machine in a forward direction and aids in steering while it propels the machine onward, and carries the adjustable wings by which the speed of flight in a horizontal plane is regulated rotatable steering means which will presently be more fully explained, serves the purpose of a gyroscope, and helps maintain the equilibrium and stability of the machine, while at the same time it carries adjustable wings which give direction to the course of the machine in its flight through the air. The principle of the gyroscope is thus employed to maintain the stability of the machine and without adding any superfluous or unnecessary weight to the machine. Tt will be further seen that the three rotatable members as the lifting member, the propelling member and the steering member, all rotate in planes around axes disposed at a right angle to one another, the propelling member and the steering member rotating in vertical planes at a right angle to one another and the lifting member rotating in a horizontal plane around an axis at a right angle to the axes of both the propelling member and the steering member.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 7 it may be seen that two or even more of the devices as shown in Fig. 1, and above described. may be disposed in a frame in parallel relation and simultaneously operated. In the form of the machine illustrated in these figures two motors as P, are mounted on the extreme lower ends of their respective vertical shafts The lower portions of the shafts are journaled in bearings K and K and clutches QQ are provided whereby either motor may be thrown out of engagement, or so that one of the motors may be stopped and motive power provided from theother motor for driving all parts of the machine.

To provide for rotating both of the vertical shafts of the corresponding lifting members by the power of one motor gears E are keyed to the said vertical shafts and meshing gears E keyed on the shaft E". said shaft' being journaled in bearings K whereby the two shafts are caused to rotate in opposite directions, so that the lifting members will rotate in opposite direvtions. This opposite rotation will tend to neutral ize the gyrating tendency, if any there may Let be, of the rotating lifting members and motors and the consequent veerin or swervmg and twisting from the norma upright position of the machine and its departure from ing supports K, K and K The casings of the motors P, P, are held against rotation by the brackets P connected with the frame 0 of the car. The car here shown is inclosed having glass windows, 0 and doors O. The position ofpassengers and engineers is indicated within the car in dotted lines. Beneath the car provision ismade for carrying ballast as O", and in the lower central portion of the car, is a space for supplies of fuel, and arms as at 0. Steps 0 are provided at the. rear, and wheels as O -are mounted beneath the car on spring bearings as 0 Referring to Fig. 6,the planof this form ofthe; machine, corners of the car 0- are formed on an angle at the rear as at 0 and the frontof the car is elliptical in form as at 0 to reduce air pressure in front and to reducesuctional force at the rear of the car when the machine is moving through the air.

It is contemplated to provide horizontally disposed wings setat a suitable angle to the horizontal longitudinal parts ofthe machine to facilitate planing in long and rapid fli hts, but I claim nothing new in the said WlllgS of this type, except in combination with the other features and elements of my invention. The lateral wings or planes It, may be attached in any practicable manner, to the frame K of the machine, and providedwith stays, R to secure them in position. While I have not shown wings or planes of this type in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 of my drawings,

still it is contemplated to employ them in conjunction with any type of my machine. In the. several figures the direction of rotation of the wing members is indicated by,

arrows.

Referring to the steering means, the mem-' ber N, ismounted in the frame K, (see Figs. '1 bein connected by-the rods N, slidably dis in mesh with the gear'M. The gearM. is

food, tools, clothing, oxygen M, having the gear )arted thence throu h the gears, M", M, M I

i and M, to t e steering-member N, which is keyed on the shaft M Surroundlared in the frame M, whereby it is held from longitudinal movement and threaded on the hollow shaft M is the collar N The collar N is held against rotation by the stays, N having corresponding ends fixed to the bearings ofthe frame, and hav- 1n their opposite corresponding ends slidab y disposed through openingslin the collar N This arrangement allows a movement of the collar N relative to the shaft M and the threaded hollow shaft M when thethreaded hollow shaft M is rotated, since thercollar slides upon the stays N, disposed through the openings therethrough, when the hoilow threaded shaft is rotated,'while the stays N prevent the collar N from rotating with ,the

threaded shaft. it The. concentric collar N, is rotatably seated inthe' groove N of the N having the concentric collar N rigidly fixed thereon and rotatable therewith.

Rods N are slidably disposed through the.

part N of the steering member N, said rods having corresponding ends rigidly fixed in v the concentric collar N of the collar N and havmg the opposite corresponding ends rigidly fixed in the cencentric collar member h 9 by the rods N and said rods being slidabl disposed through openings in the part N of the steering member N, they receive the thrust imparted to the collar N by the ro- "of the collar N By this arrangementthe gconcentric collars N and N are connected tation of the hollow threaded shaft M when it is rotated, while the collar N is held against rotation by the stays N, while the concentric collar N, rotatahly seated in the cove N rotates with the steering member and the collar N and concentric collar N. Thus by rotation of the threaded hollow shaft M". the collar N its concentric rotatable collar. N", and the collar N and rigidlyconnected concentric collar N",

pose through the openings in part N, of the steering means, may be simultaneously shifted longitudinally of the shaft M vwhile the shaft M. and steering member N,

75 ing the shaft M, is a hollow shaft M 001- Y 3 described.

members and connecting parts will be prescntly explained. The

wings N are pivotally mounted in the. disk wheel or steering member, and pivoted at the forward edge relative to the direction of rotation, and an eye is provided at the rear edge thereof, on either side thereof, as at N". Connecting rods N connect the said wings with eyes, N of the concentric collars N and Y respectively. By rotation of the threaded hollow shaft M the collars N and N with concentric collars N and N" respectively and connecting rods, will be simultaneously moved in the same direction and the free edges of the wings of the steering member be swung or deflected accordingly in that direction, so that as the steering member N rotates the wings will exert pressure upon the air and cause the steering member to veer in the opposite direction carrying with it the stern of the machine and so directing the machine-to the right or left as desired. This rotation of the threaded hollow shaft M is attained by means of the pulley M and the pilot cord M wrapped therearound when drawn by a pilot wheel not shown.

A horizontally disposed guiding plane for regulatin the upward and downwar inclination of the machine to maintain the horizontal position of the horizontal shafts is provided as at R and mounted on the opposite ends of the shaft M by means of bearings R I do not claim as new this feature of my machine except in' combination with the other features and elements of my invention. This horizontal plane member may be regulated and be controlled by any means known and common to the art and therefore details of construction of such means are not shown or described herein.

Referring to the modification of my machine shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the steering member is shown in a slightly modified form. Two similar steering members N are shown in parallel relation the upper one inthe figure being shown partly in section, and therefore only this one will be Referring to Fi 6, of the drawings the horizontal shaft is mounted in bearings M of the frame K, and keyed thereon is the gear M On the rotatable shaft M, is keyedthe gear M the said shaft M extending across the frame and having bearings provided in said frame. (In the drawilillg which shows a duplex machine, the gear is duplicated, but in the single type of my machine, the form of steering means here shown may be used without any modification except that in this form of machine the parts of the rotary steering means are duplicated, whereas in the single type of my machine, there would not be the duplication of parts.)

keyed the pulleys U on the shaft M. are S and in bearings M is ,by a pilot the wings mounted the shaft M having thereon pulleys S, said shaft being in parallel relation with the shaft M, and said pulleys S and S being wound with cabless whereby rotation is imparted from shaft M to shaft M b the rotation of meshing gears M and The steerin member N is rigidly keyed on the shaft Collared in the frame K and held against longitudinal movement are threaded rods, T, having therein pulleys T wound with cables T directed around other pulleys T whereb rotation is imparted to the threaded rods The rods T are threaded into bores in oppositely disposed portions of the collar member T having a flange T seated concentrically in channel providfl iin collar U slidably keyed upon shaft M so that by rotation of right and left threaded rods T, the collar members T will move the v.collar members U in a longitudinal direction and slidingly to the right or left upon the shaft M the collar members T being held against rotation by the threaded rods T seated in the frame K, the collar members U rotate concentrically within said collar members T with the shaft M To the collars U, are pivotally connected rods as N which also connect with eyes N in wings N pivotally mounted in the diskwheel N whereby the said wings may be deflected as set forth by the rotation of the threaded rods T, by drawing the cable T wheel not shown.

In Fig. 6, the two steering members and the gears from which they are driven are disposed in parallel relation, the two steering members being mounted on the shaft M and the gears and pulleys on the shaft M By this arrangement both of the steering members will be caused to rotate by the rotation of either one of the horizontal shafts M, geared to its respective vertical driving shaft E, so that all parts of the machine, as the lifting means and the propelling means, and the steering means can be driven at all times by the power of one of the motors if one of the motors only is in operation. In Fig. 6 the horizontal guiding plane is shown disposed across the entire width of the rear portion of the machine, and is journaled upon the shaft M and may be adjusted and controlled by any suitable means in common use, 7 but not shown in the drawings. This guiding plane I do not claim as new except as a part of my machine in combination with the other new and novel features and elements of my invention.

Other features and elements of my invention, including details of construction as specific means for developing power, light, automatically regulating the speed and maintaining the equilibrium, for adjusting and guiding planes, for making observations for releasing ballast, bombs,-

and projectiles for regulating descent an alightiug after flight, for adapting my 1nvention to starting from and alighting on water and-for rendering the machine substantially invulncrable to destruction by gun-fire from below or from collision with other machines I ex iect to include in applications for Letters atent, now in process of preparation but not yet complete all fea tures of which I desire to fully protect by patent and in combination with the features elements and essential parts and details of the invention herein described, illustrated in the accompanying drawingsforming a part of this specification and pointed out in my claims hereunto annexed and forming a part hereof.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new therein, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is; I

1. In a flying machine of the character described and having a rigid frame, a vertical shaft journaled in the frame, a winged wheel rotatable with the shaft, means for adjusting the wings while rotating around the shaft so that they will exert no pressure upon the air, or any desired ressure, without varying the speed of rotation, said winged wheel bein disposed at the upper portion of the shaft, means whereby a car and motor are supported at the lower end portion of the shaft, a gear keyed upon the vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, journaled in the frame, said horizontal shaft havin a winged wheel mounted thereon and revo u ble in a vertical plane, and means for adjusting the wings of the said wheel, a gear keyed upon the orizontal shaft, at one end and meshin with the gear keyed on the vertical shaft so that the horizontal shaft may be driven from the gear of the vertical shaft, and a second horizontal shaft disposed at an opposite direction from the first horizontal shaft, journaled in the frame and geared to the vertical shaft; a steering wheel journaled in a yoke provided in the frame and geared to the second horizontal shaft, said steering wheel, having adjustable wings mounted therein and means for reversibly deflecting the said wings, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes set forth.

2. In a flying machine of the character described having a rigid frame, a vertical shaft journaled in the frame, a parachute shaped winged and weighted wheel keyed upon its upper end, means for adjusting the wings while being rotated, a horizontal shaft journaled in the forward part of the frame and geared to the vertical-shaft, a wheel like the winged wheel on the vertical shaft mounted thereon, so that the second winged wheel will rotate in a vertical plane at a right angle with the wheel on the vertical shaft, a second horizontal shaft journaled in the frame and ata right angle with the first horizontal shaft, a weighted, winged, disk wheel, keyed upon said shaft, gearin means connecting the disk wheel with t is vertical shaft so that rotation will be imparted 'by the vertical shaft to the disk wheel, means for reversibly deflecting the wings of the disk wheel while in rotation, said disk wheel being so positioned as to rotate in a vertical plane at a right angle with the plane of rotation of the wheel of the perpendicular shaft, and at a right angle w1th the plane of the wheel on the first horizontal shaft, whereby the centrifugal force of the several wheels will operate to prevent gyration induced b the other wheels, substantially as shown an described and for the purposes set forth.

3. In a flying machine, of the character described, the arrangement and combination of a plurality of wings pivotally mounted in radial relation upon two vertlcal shafts, and adapted to be rotated with the shafts with means for adjusting the position of the wings to exert a variable pressure. on the air while rotating, and a suitable frame with bearings therein whereb a right and left hand wmged wheel may e mounted in parallel relation at the u per end portions of two vertical shafts, an rotate thereon in opposite directions, with means sup orted at the lower portion of the said sha ts for I driving the machine, and means provided for mountin two horizontal shafts in parallel relation each of said horizontal shafts havin thereon wheel of the character mount upon the vertical shafts, one being a right and the other a left hand wheel, said shafts being geared to be driven in opposite directions, and two parallel steering wheels each having a plurality of adjustable and reversible wings, with means for adjusting or reversing the position of said wings while rotating, both of said steering wheels being driven in the same direction and gearing means for driving the said steering wheels substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

4:. In a flying'machine of the character described, two parallel vertical shafts, journaled in the frame, a right hand winged wheel keyed to the upper end of one of the shafts, and a left hand winged wheel similar to the first wheel, keyed upon the upper end of the other vertical shafts; means supported at the lower part of the frame for driving the vertical shafts in opposite directions; two horizontal shafts, mounted in the frame and geared, one to each of the vertical shafts, and each rotating in relativel opposite directions, and arranged in para lel relation to one another, each of said hori zontal shafts, having mounted thereon and adapted to be rotated therewith, a winged wheel similar to the wheels on the perpendicular shafts, one being a right hand, and the other a left hand wheel, respectively, two winged wheels mounted upon a shaft jonrnaled in the frame, said wheels being arranged to rotate in vertical planes in alinement with the horizontal and vertical shafts with means for reversibly adjusting and for variably changing the angle of deflect-ion of the wings while in rotation, with means provided at the lower portion of the vertical shafts, for driving the said shafts with. the winged wheels thereon and for carrying passengers and other weight, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

5. In a flying machine of the character described, in combination; a horizontal shaft, jonrnaled in a rigid frame, and held against the longitudinal movement in the bearings, a wheel having a central hub and a rim, said wheel having a plurality of adjustable wing members pivotally mounted therein, each wing being pivoted at its for- .ward edge and having at its rear edge and on each side thereof, eyes, rods connected with the eyes of said wings disposed out-- wardly on either side of said wings, an annular collar splined upon the shaft on each side of the wheel said collars having eyes for connecting the outward ends of said rods connected with the-wings, and being slidable upon and rotatable with said shaft, each of said collars having an annular channel in its outer peripheral surface, a concentric collar with a flange disposed in the channel of each of the said collars, and rotatable therein, bored through the opposite portions of each of the concentric collar members, threaded rods threaded through said bores and jonrnaled in the frame of the machine, and disposed in parallel relation with the central shaft, so as to be held against longitudinal movement, pulleys mounted one upon each of the threaded rods, and cables wound thereon adapted for rotating the threaded rods whereby the collar members may be moved longitudinally of the shaft, with driving means for the shaft adapted to be driven by the motive power of the machine, substantially as shown and described, and for the purposes set forth.

6. In a flying machine of the character described, the arrangen'ient and combination with two vertical shafts, rotatably mounted in parallel relation in bearings in a frame, having wingedwheels keyed thereon and rotatable therewith at the upper end of the shafts, a motor held on the lower end of each of said shafts, and a car supported upon the shafts adjacent the motors, two horizontal shafts arranged in parallel relation rotatably mounted in bearings in the frame, winged wheels rotatable thereon in a steering wheels geared to the vertical shafts,

said vertical shafts each havingrlntch members thereon whereby the motor may be not running but the winged wheel and the upper portion of the shaft may rotate, gears on each of the shafts, a horizontal shaft rotatably mounted in bearings in the frame and having on each of its ends a gear meshing with a gear on the vertical shaft so that by the operation of one of the motors, the two winged wheels can be rotated, and all parts of the machine propelled by the one motor, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

7. In a flying machine, in combination with a rigid frame embodying a system of circular braces, connected together in intersecting planes disposed horizontally, transversely, and longitudinally of the machine; a vertical shaft jonrnaled in the frame, a horizontal shaft jonrnaled in the frame and geared so as to be driven by the vertical shaft; propelling means comprising a substantially parachute-shaped winged wheel witha plurality of adjustable wings mounted therein, adapted to serve for pro elling the machine through the air in a horizontal course when mounted upon the horizontal shaft, and adapted for lifting and sustain- 10o ing the machine in the air when mounted on the vertical shaft; steering means for the machine, and means for adjusting the wings of the propeller wheel on the horizontal shaft and the wheel on the vertical shaft while the wheels are rotating comprising screw-threaded rods jonrnaled in the frame, with pulleys and pilot mechanism for rotating the rods, and means for controlling the steering means, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

8. In a flying machine, in combination with a rigid frame, a plurality of vertical shafts jonrnaled in the frame and oppositely disposed at a spaced distance from the longitudinal center of the frame; two horizontal shafts jonrnaled in the frame and one geared to each of the Vertical shafts; means supported at the lower portion of the frame for rotating the vertical shafts in opposite directions and at a relatively high speed; a parachute-shaped winged wheel with wings pivoted therein at their forward edges, keyed upon each of the vertical shafts and each of the horizontal shafts; means for deflecting the wings in the wheels on the vertical shafts simultaneously while in rotation, and means for deflecting the wings on the horizontal shafts simultaneously while in rotation independently of the wings of the wheels on the vertical shafts, and

means for steering the machine in any direction, substantially as shown and described,.

. portion of the frame and one geared to each of the vertical shafts, a win ed wheel with a weighted rim and adjustable wings pivoted in the hub and rim thereof, mounted upon the upper end of each of the vertical shafts, and one on the forward end of each of the horizontal shafts; means for driving the vertical shafts in opposite directions,

means for driving the horizontal shafts in opposite directions; means for adjusting the wings of the wheels while in rotation, comprising screw-threaded rods adapted for moving a sleeve longitudinally of the shafts for adjusting the wings while rotating at a high speed as require to produce centrifugal force for stabilizing the machine in air; with means for steering the machine substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

10. In a flying machine, in combination with a ri 'd frame; a vertical shaft journaled in t 'e.frame,-a horizontal shaft ournaled in the forward portion of the frame, a horizontal shaft journaled in the rear portion of the frame opposite the first horizontal shaft, a transverse horizontal shaft journaled in the frame,'gearing means for drivin the horizontal shafts from the vertical aft; a parachute-shaped propeller wheel with a weighted rim and overlapping curved wings pivotally held in the wheel, and pivoted at the forward edges thereof, keyed upon the upper end of the vertical shaft, and a similar wheel keyed upon the forward end of thefirst horizontal shaft; means for adjusting the wings of the wheels simultaneously while in rotation each wheel independently of the other; a steering wheel keyed upon the transverse horizontal shaft said wheel having pivotal wings; means for reversibly adjusting the wings while in rotation; means supported at the lower portion of the frame for driving the vertical shaft and the shafts geared thereto at a high speed so as to produce'gyros'copio action for maintaining the machine in an 'upright position at all times, such gyroscopic action being supplemented by the pendulous weight of the driving means and the parachute-like action of the wheel on the vertical .shaft, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

11. In a flying machine, in combination with a rigid frame; a'vertical shaft journaled in the frame at a spaced distance each side of the longitudinal center of the frame;

the lower portion of the frame; a motor con-' nected with the lower end of each of the vertical shafts whereby the shafts may be drivenat a high speed in o posite directions; a winged wheel with ad ustable wings adapted to rotate from left to right on one of the vertical shafts, and a similar wheel adapted to rotate from'right to left on the other vertical shaft; a corres onding wheel on each of-the horizontal sha ts said wheels being adapted to rotate in opposite directions; gearing means connecting the vertical shafts; clutch means connectmg the vertical shafts with the driving means of each shaft; steering means comprising winged steering wheels keyed upon a transverse horizontal shaft j ournaled in the rear portion of the frame; gearing means connected with the vertical shafts for driving the steering wheels; means for adjusting the wings of the wheels of the vertical shafts simultaneously while in rotation; means for adjusting the wings of the wheels on the horizontal shafts in the forward portion of the frame independently of the wheels on the vertical shafts while in rotation; means for adjusting the -win s of the steering wheels independently o the other wheels, while in rotation; spring supporting means and wheels for the car of the machine and means for regulating the load of the machine, substantially as shown and described, I

otal wings of said wheels simu taneously while in rotation; with means for propelling the car through the air, and means for steering the car 1n any desired direction, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

13. In a flying machine, in combination with a'rigid frame a vertical shaft j ournaled in the frame, a horizontal shaft journaled in the frame; means for driving the vertical shaft at a high speed to develop gyro'scopie action; gearin means connecting the horizontal shaft with the vertical shaft so as to drive the horizontal shaft thereby; a lifting wheel keyed upon the upper end of the vertical shaft; a similar wheel keyed upon the forward end of the horizontal shaft; each of said wheels comprising a'centralhub, a weighted rim, radial spokes supporting the rim, a plurality of curved pivotal Wing members pivotally held at their forward edges in the hub and rim and in overlapping relation, rods pivotally connected with the rearward edge of the said wing-members, a

sleeve slidable on the shaft within each of said wheels and being pivotally connected with the opposite ends of the said rods respectively, a collar at a spaced distance from the sleeve upon the shaft; a journal for the hub between'the collar and the sleeve, a rod interior of the shaft connecting the sleeve and collar; a cross-head having a flange engaging the collar and slidable in the frame longitudinally of'the shaft, threaded rods seated in threaded bores in the cross-head, pulleys on said rods, means for rotating the rods whereby the collar and sleeve may be moved longitudinally and reversibly along the shaft for adjustingthe wings (if each of the wheels, independently or simultaneously'whilein rotation; and means for steer-I ing the machine, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

and geared to the vertical shaft; a rearwardly extending shaft journaled in the frame and parachute-shaped wheel mounted on the upper end of the vertical shaft and adapted to be driven at a high speed so as to serve as 14. In a flying machine, in combination witha. rigid frame; a car supporting the frame, and supported thereby at'the lower portion thereof," said car having wheels thereon and spring supports for said-wheels;

I said frame comprising a plurality of substantially circular braces disposed in planes intersecting one another; va vertical driving shaft journaledin the frame; a. forwardly extending shaft 1 journaled in the frame geared to the vertical shaft; a

a gyroscope rotating in a horizontal plane for stabilizing the machine and as a parachute for slackening descent, andcomprising a plurality of curved adjustable wings for lifting and sustaining the machine in air;

means for adjusting the ,wings'while in rotation; a similar wheel mounted upon the forwardend of the first horizontal shaft to serve as a propeller and as a gyroscope for j stabilizing the machine andfirotatin'g vin a vertical and transverse plane; and asteering wheel mounted on a transverse shaft in the rear" of the frame and geared to the secondv horizontal shaft, said wheel serving as a gyroscoperotating in a vertical plane, for stabilizing the machine and for directing the course of the machine, and comprising a plurality of radial flat wingsreversi justable'in thewheel whilethe wheel-is ro-' tating; means for adjusting the wings of each of said'wheelsindep'endently'of the radially disposed the frame;

and for the purposes at high speed in differential a weighted ,solid rim keyed thereon at the upper end of the shaft within the frame, a motor supported at the lower portion of the frame and a ratchet clutch connecting the motor with the shaft; a horizontal propeller vshaft journaled in the forward portion of the frame and geared to the vertical shaft, a second wheel of the same construction as the first wheel. keyed upon its forward end naled in the rear portion of the frame and geared tothe vertical shaft; a transverse horizontal shaft-journaled in-the rear portion of the frame andgearing means thereon driven by a gear onthe second horizontal shaft; -a steering wheel with a hub and a weighted rim keyed upon the transverse shaft, said wheel having a plurality of flat reversibly adjustable wings pivotallymounted therein; and means for adjusting the wings of each of said wheels, independently of the other wheels, substantially as shown and described and for the-purposes set fort v 16. In a flying machine, in combination "within the frame; a horizontal shaft jourwith a' rigid frame and a car supported."

thereby at its lower portions; a vertical shaft journaled in the frame, a lifting wheel having a central hub, a solid rim and radial spokes supporting the rim keyed on the upper end of the shaft, said wheel being substantially parachute shaped and comprising a plurality of curved wing-members, each pivotally held at its'fo-rward edge in bearings in the rim and the hub of the wheel, a rod connected with the rear edge of each wing; a sleeve slidable on the shaft and connected with saidrods; a'sliding collar on the shaft, means connecting the collar and said sleeve passing through the hub of said wheel; a concentric member engaging a flange on said collar'andhaving threaded rods disposed in threaded bores there} through; said rods being rotatably held in means for rotating the rod whereby the collar and sleeve may be moved relative to the shaft so as to adjust the wings of the wheelwhile the wheel is rotating at any speed; -means connecting, a motor with-the vertical shaft for driving it at high speed,,said motor being disposed at the lowermost portion vof the frame so as to act as a pendulum to coiiperate with the centrifugal force of the lifting wheel, and with the parachute-like action of the wheel for stabilizing themachine and maintaining it in an upright position in air, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

17. In a flying machine of the character described, in combination with a rigid frame; two vertical shafts journaled in the frame and at a spaced distance from the longitudinal center of the frame; a parachute-shaped wheel with adjustable over-. lappin' wings keyed upon the upper end of each 0 the shafts within the frame, one be ing a right and the other a left hand wheel; two motors adapted torotate in opposite directions one motor being supported at the .lower end of each of the shafts below the frame, and a ratchet clutch connecting each of the motors to its respective shaft; a horizontal shaft disposed transversely between the vertical shafts above said clutches and geared to the vertical shafts; two horizontal propeller shafts journaled in the forward part of the frame; one geared to each-of the vertical shafts; said horizontal shafts being rotatable in opposite directions; a wheel ofthe same form of construction as the wheels on the vertical shafts keyed on the forward end of each of said horizontal shafts, within the frame; two horizontal shafts journaled in the rear portion of the frame and each geared to one of the vertical shafts, a gear=on the rear end of each of said shafts; a transverse shaft journaled in the frame parallel with the first transverse shaft; means for driving the second shaft from the first shaft; steering wheels each having a hub, radial spokes and a weighted rim supported by the spokes and flat radially disposed reversibly adjustable wings keyed upon the transverse shaft, said wings being hinged to the spokes at their forward edges and having rods pivotally connected with their rear edges. a collar slidable on the shaft connected with said rods upon each side of the wheels; concentric collar members revolubly engaging the collars; threaded rods journaled in the frame and threaded through the concentric collar-members and means for rotating the rods for adjusting the wings of the-steering wheels simultaneously; and means for simultaneously adjusting the wings of the wheels on the vertical shafts, independently of the adjustment of the steering wheels, and means for simultaneously adjusting the wings of the wheels on the horizontal propeller shafts, independently of the other wheels, substantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

prising a central hub, radial spokes and a weighted rim supported by the spokes; a

plurality of curved wing-members each having hinged bearings at its forward edge;

one connected with the rim and one with the hub, said wheel bein keyed upon the upper end of a vertical s aft journaled in/ the frame; a sleeve slidable onthe shaft, rods connecting the rear edges of the wings with the sleeve, a journal for the shaft adjacent the sleeve, a collar on the shaft beyond the journal and adjacent thereto and slidable on the shaft, means connecting the sleeve and collar extending through the journal and slidable therewith longitudinally of the shaft; a concentric collar-member'engaging a flange on the collar and slidable on the' part of the frame, drivenfrom the vertical shaft; a propeller wheel with adjustable win s mounted on the forward end of the shat within the frame; means for adjustpendently o the wings of the lifting wheel; a transverse shaft journaled in the rear portion of the frame, a steering wheel with adjustable wings and a weighted rim keyed "ing the win s of the propeller wheel inde- 1 upon the shaft; and means for'manuall-y adjusting the wings thereof independently of the wings of the lifting wheel and the .propeller wheel, substantially as shown and dedescribed and for the purposes set forth.

19. In a flying machine, in combination with a rigid frame; two vertical driving shafts journaled in the upper and lower portions of the frame at a spaced distance opposite the longitudinal center of the frame; two horizontal propeller shafts journaled in the frame and each geared to one of the vertical shafts so as to be driven thereby; two horizontal steering shafts journaled in the rearward portion of the frame and geared each to one of the vertical shafts so as to be driven thereby; a transverse horizontal shaft journaled in the rear portion of the frameand geared so as to be driven from the steering shafts; a second transverse shaft journaled in the rear ortion of the frame and driven from the rst transverse shaft; means supported at the lower portion of the frame and adapted to drive the verti-' cal shafts at high speedin opposite directions; lifting means mounted on the upper end of each of the vertical shafts adapted to serve as gyroscopes rotating in opposite directions in a horizontal plane; similar wheels, one mounted upon the forwardend of each of the horizontal shafts in the forward portion of the frame and adapted to serve as propelling means and as gyroscopes rotating in opposite directions in a transverse vertical plane; steering wheels mounted on the rear transverse shaft adapted to serve as gyroscopes rotating in longitudinal vertical planes; and means for adjusting the lifting means, the propelling means and the steerinv wheels while the shafts are rotating, su stantially as shown and described and for the purposes set forth.

20. In a flying machine of the character described, a rigid frame comprising substantially circular braces arranged in horizontal, transverse and longitudinal vertical planes supporting journals for shafts and moving parts of the'maehine; a vertical shaft journaled in the upper, the lower and the intermediate or central portion of the frame; lifting means mounted on the upper portion of the vertical shaft within the frame and comprising a plurality of adjustable curved wings arranged in overlapping relation and pivotally held at their forward edges in a circular rim and a central hub supported upon the shaft; rods connecting the rear and swinging edges of said wings with a slidable sleeve upon the shaft between the upper and intermediate journals; a collar disposed slidably upon the shaft below the intermediate journal; means vextending through the journal connecting the sleeve and collar; means for reverslblyj sliding the collar and sleeve longitudinally along the shaft while in rotation so as to adjust the wings of the lifting means; a car and motor supported by the frame below the lower journal so that the weight thereof will serve as a pendulum to maintain the machine in an upright position in air and cooperate with the centrifugal force developed by the rotating lifting means for this purpose; a horizontal propeller shaft journaled in the forward portion of the frame geared to the vertical shaft, and propeller means mounted thereon of similar construction to the lifting means, and means for adjusting the wings of the propeller independently of the wings of the. lifting means; a transverse shaft journeled in the rear portion of the frame geared to the vertical shaft, and a rotary steering wheel mounted thereon with means for regulating the steering wheel independently of the lifting means and the propellm means,

substantially as shown and descri ed and V horizontal shaft journaled in the rear and central portions of the frame, each of said horizontal shafts being geared so as to be driven by the vertical shaft; a transverse shaft journaled in the rear portion of the frame driven from the rea r horizontal shaft; rotary lifting means comprising a plurality of adjustable curved wings arranged in overlapping relation and mounted in wheel formation upon the upper end of the vertical shaft; a motor supported by the frame below the lower-most journal thereof, and adapted for driving the lifting means at a high speedto develope gyroscopic force and also to serve as a pendulum to stabilize the machine and maintain it in an upright position in air by its weight when suspended by the lifting means at the upper end of the vertical shaft; means for adjusting the angle of the wings of the lifting means while in rotation; propelling means mounted upon the forward end of the first horizontal shaft and means for adjusting the propelling means while in rotation independently of the lifting means; rotary steerin means mounted upon the transverse s liaft and means for reversibly defiectinothe steering means independently of the ad usting means of the lifting and propelling means, substantially as shown and descrlhed and for the purposes set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention Ivhave hereunto signed my name in the resence of two witnesses, this 16th day of l\' ay, A. l). 1917.

CHARLES F. WILCOX. 

